“The Nine” is a Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout Minor League Baseball's 120 communities nationwide. Named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946, The Nine connects MiLB teams’ existing, Black-community focused development efforts with new national programming and future special events in a coordinated and centralized campaign. Learn more >>
For information on The Other Boys of Summer barnstorming tour, click here >>
During next year's Juneteenth and Negro Leagues celebration, historic Rickwood Field will host a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants as well as a Southern League game between Double-A Birmingham and Montgomery.
The Daytona Tortugas' Jackie Robinson Ballpark pays tribute to 1946 season.
Artwork acknowledging centennial of Tulsa Race Massacre aims to educate and inspire,
Statue commemorates scene of Jackie's first MiLB game with the Montreal Royals.
MiLB.com recalls Jackie's path and legacy more than a century after his birth.
In celebration of Black History Month and “The Nine” initiative, the Akron RubberDucks sat down with 2018 RubberDucks pitcher and current Cleveland Guardians starter Triston McKenzie at the annual Hot Stove Banquet to discuss his career and those that inspired him. Akron RubberDucks: Triston, how do you remember getting into...
Justin Dean has had a busy but productive offseason leading into the 2023 season. The 26-year-old outfielder from Mauldin, SC, played for Caneros de Los Mochis in the Pacific Winer League, guiding them to a Mexican Pacific Winter League title and a berth in the Caribbean Series. He hit .343...
Before becoming the Minnesota Twins' third base coach, Tommy Watkins managed the Chattanooga Lookouts. In 2018, Watkins managed several future Major Leaguers including, Luis Arraez, Nick Gordon, Zack Littell, and Lamonte Wade. We sat down with Watkins this offseason to discuss his time with the Lookouts. Here is the conversation...
Jerry Royster, Major League Baseball veteran and former Las Vegas 51s Manager, talks with Ron Kantowski about his time in the big leagues and Las Vegas....
Rece Hinds spent the 2022 season with the Dragons. He was originally signed as a second round draft pick in 2019 by the Reds out of Niceville, Florida. Rece was ranked by many media outlets as the player with the best raw power of any high school prospect in the...
In recognition of Black History Month, the Altoona Curve are pleased to once again partner with Minor League Baseball and “The Nine” Initiative to feature and celebrate some of the achievements made by black athletes in our team’s history. Last year, we took a look back at the Top-5 Black...
Few people in the Buffalo Bisons modern era can boast that they both played and managed the Herd in their baseball career. One of those men is Bobby Meacham, and he joined the ‘Voice of the Bisons’ Pat Malacaro for "The Nine " Questions, as well celebrate Black History Month...
Lookouts outfielder Adam Brett Walker II played in Chattanooga in 2015 and set the team's all-time single-season home run record with 31 home runs. Adam also helped lead that team to their first Southern League Championship in 27 years. Last year Adam joined the Yomiuri Giants of the Nippon Professional...
In 2022, Fresno Grizzlies starting pitcher Jarrod Cande was one of the most dominant players on the field and one of the most exemplary men off the field. Media Relations Coordinator Stephen Rice sat down with Cande this offseason to discuss his views in regard to Black History Month and...
In celebration of Black History Month, 2022 Hop Ryan Bliss reflects on his baseball path and those who helped him along the way. Bliss led the Hops in at-bats (426), plate appearances (484) and runs scored (68) in 2022, all of which are club records. He also had 91 hits,...
In celebration of Black History Month, teams across Minor League Baseball took a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club. While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers...
In his first year in the Marlins organization, Cobie Fletcher-Vance played a central role in Pensacola's 2022 Southern League championship season. Acquired in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 Draft, Fletcher-Vance played the entire season for the Blue Wahoos and provided a clutch go-ahead grand slam in the...
Last season, as Minor League Baseball launched “The Nine” to honor and celebrate the historic impact of Black athletes in professional baseball, the Gwinnett Stripers contributed by looking back at the on-field accomplishments of the top five Black players in Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A history. Just one of the five –...
In celebration of Black History Month, broadcaster Zach Bigley sat down with 2022 RoughRiders reliever Marc Church for a conversation about his career and the impact he has had on his community in Atlanta, Georgia. In keeping with Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” initiative, Church answered nine wide-ranging questions about...
Nasim Nuñez was the starting shortstop on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos’ 2022 Southern League championship team, and as he prepares for the 2023 season he took some time out of his busy schedule to join broadcaster Erik Bremer for a conversation to kick off Black History Month. In keeping with...
During the season, the Patriots will be honoring the New York Black Yankees, a professional Negro Leagues baseball team based in New York City, Paterson, New Jersey, and Rochester, New York from 1932 to 1948.
For the second consecutive year, the Fresno Grizzlies transformed into the Fresno Tigers to pay tribute to the 1946 West Coast Negro League baseball team on Friday night at Chukchansi Park. Since scant visual representation of the Fresno Tigers has survived, the club donned newly reimagined Tigers uniforms as part...
Affiliates host parades, flag ceremonies and more to mark holiday
Chattanooga, Birmingham honor historic Choo-Choos, Black Barons
Indians-Clippers to celebrate Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” initiative with a head-to-head series salute to the Negro Leagues
Ribault High School wins A. Philip Randolph Cup with 8-3 victory
Wilmington full of pride for homegrown Negro Leagues legend
Kannapolis hosts second annual MLK Dream Day celebration
Paying homage in Bowie, Mississippi, Frisco and Wilmington
This weekend's events are flagship of far-reaching initiative
Throughout the month of February, team will highlight local organizations and baseball pioneers with local ties
St. Paul also pays respects to 'Daddy,' the club's legendary founder
First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm with fireworks after the game
Double-A Hartford hosts three-day ‘leveling the playing field’ event
Teams building on 'The Nine' platform in February and beyond
Black-owned NC Mutual, Mechanics & Farmers Bank gave Durham strong national reputation
⚾ First baseman & right fielder, Ron "Schoolboy" Teasley set 5⃣ single season records.
— Lansing Lugnuts (@LansingLugnuts) February 28, 2023
⚾ He became the 8th Black player to sign with the major leagues.
⚾ He was inducted into the Wayne State University Athletic Hall of Fame + 5⃣ other Hall of Fames. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/znNeXspeqx
Vince Harrison managed the Hops in our first two full seasons in 2021-2022. His leadership and guidance can never be fully quantified, but he left a forever impact on Hillsboro.
— Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) February 28, 2023
He is now on the staff for the Louisville Bats, the AAA affiliate for the Reds. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/SpvBM6LVq3
On the last day of #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor Gil Hernandez, a former player for the Indianapolis Clowns. Gil delivered the ceremonial first pitch during our Negro League Celebration game in 2019, his contributions to the sport and to Black history will always be remembered. pic.twitter.com/TFWJ8nBj67
— Hartford Yard Goats (@GoYardGoats) February 28, 2023
Did you know that Toledo had three baseball teams that were part of the Negro National League? The first was the 1923 Toledo Tigers.
— Toledo Mud Hens (@MudHens) February 28, 2023
To celebrate their 100th anniversary, we’re hosting Toledo Tigers Night on Saturday, Sept. 16.
More: https://t.co/tvy9NawaLr pic.twitter.com/6c966U6tBo
Fred McGriff - the "Crime Dog" - played 3 seasons here in Syracuse before going on to crush 493 home runs in a Hall-of-Fame MLB career!
— Syracuse Mets (@SyracuseMets) February 28, 2023
In celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth, we'll be honoring great Black players in Syracuse baseball history in conjunction with @MiLB's The Nine! pic.twitter.com/z9BLXqFqoc
The "𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘠𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘦 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮" since the ballpark opened in 2009 and P.A. announcer for a dozen straight Super Bowls, Paul Olden launched his career as a play-by-play announcer with the Spokane Indians. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/gTkMNzlKCq
— Spokane Indians (@spokaneindians) February 26, 2023
On this day in 1952, former Spokane Indians pitcher Don Newcombe was sworn into the @USArmy. The right-hander served two years during the Korean War before returning to the mound with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/Nzx7uooOYV
— Spokane Indians (@spokaneindians) February 27, 2023
In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting Nick Heath, the 98th Major Leaguer in team history!
— Northwest Arkansas Naturals (@nwanaturals) February 26, 2023
Heath is one of 4⃣ Naturals to steal 50+ bases in a season & has the fifth-most steals in team history. He's also tied for the third-most triples in a NWA career! pic.twitter.com/yochq9KA0z
"You're starting to see a little bit of a resurgence of kids playing the game, showing their talent and making an impact." - Willie Randolph talks about how we can continue to make progress in baseball beyond #BlackHistoryMonth.
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) February 27, 2023
🎥Full Interview: https://t.co/7bg3f3vXZO pic.twitter.com/6WX4LlZNTO
Today for #BlackHistoryMonth we honor Eric Davis, who in 1987 became the first player in National League history to hit three grand slams in one month and the first in @MLB history to achieve 30 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. pic.twitter.com/Cy2yDV5PyY
— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) February 27, 2023
Our final episode of the Black History Month Series is about the history of music in Nashville.
— Nashville Sounds (@nashvillesounds) February 23, 2023
Candice N. Jones, director of marketing and communications at the National Museum of African American Music, speaks on the topic and shares more about the museum pic.twitter.com/bdnEi7Vqyl
Fowler had remarkable 30-year career in the early days of baseball
The 1940's barnstorming team took the Midwest by storm
Our 1973 Team MVP needs no introduction.
— Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) February 19, 2023
Today for #BlackHistoryMonth we honor Ken Griffey, a two-time World Series champion and half of the only @MLB father-son teammates who also made history with back-to-back home runs in the majors. pic.twitter.com/BsfaKoa0of
As part of our #BlackHistoryMonth celebration, we caught up with Curve legend @sdyouman, whose 1.51 ERA in 2006 still stands as the lowest in a single season in team history!
— Altoona Curve (@AltoonaCurve) February 17, 2023
Youman chats about his playing career, time spent in Altoona and adversity he faced as a black athlete.
Our guy John Kocsis caught up with our other guy, @TylerTolbert12, to talk life, Major League Spring Training, baseball in Australia, and #BlackHistoryMonth
— Columbia Fireflies (@ColaFireflies) February 16, 2023
Tyler holds the Fireflies franchise record of single season stolen bases after 49 stolen bases in https://t.co/iCw1labrdH… https://t.co/p5kuLYrpLO pic.twitter.com/VGIpBiOIeE
"It's about claiming your own excellence in life."
— Round Rock Express (@RRExpress) February 16, 2023
Rodney Page had a front-row seat to the Negro Leagues & star shortstop, Willie Wells, through his father, a team owner. Reflect on what the Negro Leagues were all about through his perspective.#BlackHistoryMonth | #RRExpress pic.twitter.com/Ks9srVR8MM
Outfielder’s season ends as one of the PCL’s best in 2022
Howard integrated the Yankees in 1955
For #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor 2009 BlueClaws CF Anthony Gose. He was drafted in the 2nd round in 2008 & helped the BlueClaws win the 2009 SAL title, stealing a team record 76 bases! He reached the big leagues with the Blue Jays in 2012 and is now a pitcher with the Guardians pic.twitter.com/6pgpo3ryrO
— Jersey Shore BlueClaws (@BlueClaws) February 15, 2023
In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, we celebrate the first three Black ballplayers to wear the Mud Hens uniform in 1952.
— Toledo Mud Hens (@MudHens) February 15, 2023
Nino Escalera (far left), Willie “Curley” Williams (second from the right), and Bill Powell (not pictured) paved the way for future Black players in Toledo. pic.twitter.com/nLwh5Zmmnn
Tacoma’s Jim Claxton was the first black man to play organized white baseball in the 20th Century. In 1916 Claxton pitched in the PCL. However, once his race was discovered days later he was released. He became the first black player on a Zeenuts baseball card #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/gYYcmNTMTb
— Tacoma Rainiers (@RainiersLand) February 15, 2023
Charlie White (1927 – 1998), a Kinston Native played for the Philadelphia Stars & St. Louis Browns. White was a 1950 Negro League All-Star. His MLB debut was April 18, 1954 for the Milwaukee Braves & he played until 1955. He ended his baseball career in Triple A. ⚾⚾#BHM pic.twitter.com/yd5JRqF72b
— Down East Wood Ducks 🦆 (@GoWoodDucks) February 15, 2023
The greatest multi-sport athlete ever? @DeionSanders played baseball here in Syracuse - in the the midst of a Hall of Fame NFL career! 👀
— Syracuse Mets (@SyracuseMets) February 15, 2023
In celebration of #BlackHistoryMonth, we'll be honoring great Black players in Syracuse baseball history in conjunction with @MiLB's The Nine! pic.twitter.com/QmGFFZFPYl
Grant played for white and black teams across New York in the 1800s
The Yard Goats will play 2 games this season as The Hartford Schoolboys: a tribute to Negro League Baseball and the late Johnny "Schoolboy" Taylor. Johnny was a baseball legend from the South End of Hartford, and one of the most famous Negro League players from that era. pic.twitter.com/rZCKqCCa95
— Hartford Yard Goats (@GoYardGoats) February 9, 2023
Did you know New Hampshire was home to the first integrated baseball team? In 1946, Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe were invited to join the Nashua Dodgers and led the team to three league titles in a row!#BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/kz6OrXCYXC
— New Hampshire Fisher Cats (@FisherCats) February 13, 2023
Today we continue honoring players for #BHM. Garret Anderson played with the Midland Angels in 1992 and made his MLB debut in 1994. During his time in the MLB, he became a WS champion and was inducted into the Angel's HoF for his accomplishments pic.twitter.com/mS6K2ShnPV
— Midland RockHounds (@RockHounds) February 14, 2023
Largely forgotten right-hander holds important place in baseball history
We loved watching JBJ patrol the outfield at Hadlock Field!
— Portland Sea Dogs (@PortlandSeaDogs) February 14, 2023
Did you know he was the first player in MLB history to have 3 straight multi-RBI games in the postseason from the No. 8 or 9 spots in the order? 2018 ALCS MVP#BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/KKRcugpu33
In celebration of Black History Month, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club. While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages."
